On 24 March 2020, Sachin Tendulkar, also referred to as the master-blaster, turned 47 years old. The legendary cricketer is a household name in the sporting world after completing a successful 24-year-long sporting career. During his days, Sachin Tendulkar became a darling to many cricket fans all over the world. For instance, in India, some fans would switch off their television sets whenever he was dismissed during games and were held at the edge of their seats whenever he played.
International debut
Sachin Tendulkar made his debut against Pakistan at the age of 16 after being hand picked to play by the then Indian captain, Srikkanth. The young cricketer's appetite for scoring runs and breaking records made him easily compared to great names in cricket such as Don Bradman of Australia. The game against Pakistan opened chances for his selection to participate in many international competitions that followed. At 19 years old, Tendulkar became the first foreign player to represent Yorkshire. First world cup assignment In 1992, Tendulkar was called in the team for a tour in Australia before the 1992 cricket World Cup competitions. During the tour, he became the youngest batsman to score a century in Australia after an unbeaten 148 in the third test held in Sydney. Tendulkar continued with an impressive performance in his international tours and was referred to as a natural talent by cricket fans as his name dominated the live cricket match score news.
Other international achievements
The young batsman scored a fantastic 169 in Cape Town during the 1996/97 tour. In 1998, Tendulkar scored 143 in the CocaCola cup league stages, helping India to qualify for the finals held at Sharjah. During the final, he scored 134 to single-handedly make India victorious over Australia. Sachin went on to break records and set new ones as he toured different countries with the Indian team. He also became the first and only batsman to score 100 international centuries.
Career struggles
Tendulkar returned home from England after losing his father during the 1999 World Cup. Later on, he came back into the game, scoring 140 against Kenya and during the game, he dedicated the hundred to his father. Furthermore, it was during this game that he developed the ritual of looking to the heavens after scoring a hundred. Tendulkar underwent a shoulder operation, which kept him off the pitch for some time until 2006 when he returned for the DLF Cup in Malaysia.
Retirement from cricket
During the 2011 World Cup, Tendulkar scored 51 against Pakistan in what was his last ODI game. After the match, Tendulkar announced that he would retire from ODI cricket on 23 December 2012. He finished his career as one of the most decorated and highest run-scorers and century-makers the cricket world had ever seen. On 16 November 2013, Tendulkar bid farewell to Test cricket at the Wankhede Stadium after an emotional match against the West Indies.
2020 birthday celebrations
On his 47th birthday in early 2020, Tendulkar's supporters took to social media to express their love for him on his special day. The Board of Control for Cricket in India also made sure to celebrate the day through their Twitter handle, referring to him as the most prolific batsman of all time. Ravi Shastri, the Indian cricket team coach, also sent his wishes Tendulkar's way, saying the legacy he left behind is immortal. Others who wished the legendary batsman a happy birthday include the International Cricket Council, who identified him as the best batsman ever in history. Singer Aneek Dhar, wrote a song titled, Mera Sachin, in appreciation of the batsman on his birthday. The singer has been a fan of Tendulkar since childhood, referring to him as an inspiration. Comedian Samir Choughule also posted a message for Tendulkar; he mentioned that Tendulkar was a God not only to him but to this generation as well.
Michael Hussey told this player better captain